A kind, family-focused Suffolk mum who died aged just 38 is being remembered at a fundraising ball in her name.
Hayley Adams, from Stradbroke, passed away in May last year from a blood condition, aplastic anaemia, leaving behind two boys, aged 13 and 14, and her husband Duane.
Family and friends decided to organise ‘Hayley’s Ball’, which is taking place on Saturday, September 29, at Athelington Hall, near Eye, to give something back in her memory.
As well as celebrating her life, the fundraiser is also in recognition of the medical teams who support people like Hayley and to assist with future research and development of this rare but fatal condition.
Hayley had been well-known locally as she was heavily involved with Stradbroke Primary School - where her two boys attended - taught swimming at Stradbroke Swimming Pool and ran Stradbroke Bakery with her husband.
Her sister Clare Cattermole, 42, from Thorndon, said her death had been “devastating”.
“Hayley was very kind and generous, especially with her time. Family was very important to Hayley and her boys, husband and extended family were everything to her.”
Mrs Cattermole said Hayley had been diagnosed at Easter last year, adding “it all happened within about eight weeks”.
It had been hoped she could have a bone marrow transplant, with Mrs Cattermole confirmed as a complete match the week she died.
“It was all too late,” she said. “Even though I was a match it was the Monday and the Wednesday night she had a big brain haemorrhage and she died on the Friday.”
She said the ball, which is a sell-out, would be something “positive” to come out of the tragedy.
Mrs Cattermole said: “We hope the ball will leave a bit of a lasting legacy for Hayley and a way for her friends and family to come together and support the charities and remember her.”
She received dedicated care and attention from the medical teams at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital as well as haematology specialists at King’s College Hospital in London.
The money raised will be split equally between the Aplastic Anaemia Trust and the Weybourne Unit at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
‘Mystery boxes’, containing various prizes, will be sold on the night for £20 each, and there is a silent auction until the Monday after the ball on the Facebook page ‘Hayley’s Ball’. Auction prizes include a signed England rugby shirt and Anthony Watson rugby boots.
Raffle tickets are available from Stradbroke Bakery, Stradbroke Swimming Pool and Laxfield shop.
Mrs Cattermole said Hayley’s family wanted to thank everyone who has supported the ball, and added if businesses want to donate prizes they can get involved through the Facebook page or email charity.ball@btinternet.com
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